LPGA Tour Pros In the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer
A big salute goes out to former LPGA player and Golf Channel commentator Val Skinner who will be hosting the seventh annual LIFE
(LPGA Tour Pros In the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer) Tournament at Ridgewood County Club next week.
Skinner raises over $500,000 each year for the
Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey making it one of the largest one-day fundraisers for breast cancer. Some $3.5 million has been raised since its inception.
One of the main objectives of the funds raised is to heighten awareness of breast cancer among young women (especially college-aged women who are unaware that breast cancer can affect them at an early age), and most importantly, to get more lives saved.
Each year, Skinner gathers 30 of the top names on the LPGA Tour to play in a wonderful pro-am at one of the top courses in the area. Some of the participating pros this year include Karrie Webb, Beth Daniel and Brittany Lang.
Skinner became personally involved in this cause several years ago when a good friend and fellow LPGA player, Heather Farr, died from the disease at age 28 in 1993.
On a personal note, I was invited to play in this event two years ago. I cannot say enough about the emotion and passion that goes into this day. Ms. Skinner is a spectacular hostess and event-presenter.
While the golf is an important part of the day, the real event lies in the emotional stories by breast cancer survivors. Having attending many fundraising outings, I can say, without reservation, this has been the most inspiring and emotion-filled day I ever spent on a golf course.
Most of the participants are there as part of a corporate sponsorship, but the foundation always needs additional support and volunteers. Anyone interested in this event is encouraged to contact the
Val Skinner Foundation in Bay Head, NJ for further information.
